Is Your GM Truck or Van Suddenly Unreliable?
There’s nothing more frustrating than a vehicle you can’t count on, especially when it’s your daily workhorse. If your Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac is suffering from a no-start condition, erratic idling, stalling, poor fuel mileage, or a persistent Check Engine Light, the problem often points directly to a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical failure that sidelines your vehicle. This fully programmed 16263494 PCM is the definitive, reliable solution to get your truck back on the road and working as hard as you do.
Common Symptoms of a Failing GM ECM & Your Direct Solution
A failing engine computer can manifest in numerous ways, often mimicking other mechanical issues. Here are the tell-tale signs that your PCM is the culprit:
- Engine cranks but refuses to start.
- Stalling for no apparent reason, either at idle or while driving.
- Noticeable drop in fuel economy.
- Rough or inconsistent idling and hesitation during acceleration.
- Transmission shifting harshly or at the wrong times.
- Check Engine Light is on with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) like P0601, P0605, or P0606.
- Your scan tool cannot communicate with the PCM.
Instead of wrestling with a trip to the dealership for expensive diagnostics and programming, this module arrives at your door ready for installation. We take your vehicle’s VIN and professionally flash the unit with the latest, most stable software updates from General Motors, ensuring it’s a perfect match for your specific vehicle configuration.
Features & Benefits
- ✔ VIN-Programmed for Your Vehicle: Simply provide your VIN at checkout, and we handle the complex programming. This eliminates the need for expensive dealer-only tools, making for a straightforward installation.
- ✔ Plug & Play Installation: Once installed, you will only need to perform the security relearn procedure (instructions included), which takes about 30 minutes. This gets you back on the road without towing your vehicle to a shop.
- ✔ Loaded with GM Software Updates: Your new computer comes with the newest software available, which corrects many of the original factory bugs and improves performance, fuel economy, and transmission shifting logic.
- ✔ A Cost-Effective, Reliable Fix: Get the correct part, programmed properly the first time. This is the most efficient way to solve complex electronic issues and restore your truck’s factory performance.
- ✔ Broad Compatibility: This 16263494 PCM is the correct replacement for a wide range of popular GM work vehicles, including the Silverado, Sierra, Express, Savana, Tahoe, and Suburban.
Expert Insight: The Critical Role of VIN Programming
As a technician for over 20 years, I’ve seen countless DIYers and even some shops make a costly mistake: installing a used, non-programmed computer. They’ll spend hours trying to figure out why the vehicle still won’t start or why the transmission is stuck in limp mode. The reality is that on these GM vehicles, the PCM is the central hub that talks to everything—the engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes, and security system. If the programming doesn’t match the vehicle’s VIN and specific options, it creates a communication breakdown. Our professional programming service isn’t just a convenience; it’s the essential step that makes this part work. We ensure the digital ‘handshake’ between the computer and your truck is perfect, saving you from a world of diagnostic headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do you need from me to program the module?
We only need your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Please provide it during checkout or send it to us in a message after your purchase. This ensures we can flash the 16263494 PCM with the exact software for your truck’s engine, transmission, and options.
Is this module truly “plug and play”?
For the most part, yes. After you install the module and connect the battery, you will need to perform a security relearn procedure, also known as the Passlock or VATS relearn. This procedure syncs the new PCM with your vehicle’s anti-theft system and can be done without any special tools. We include simple, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
How can I be sure my original PCM is the problem?
While the symptoms listed above are strong indicators of a faulty PCM, it’s always best to have a qualified technician perform a full diagnosis. This includes checking all power and ground circuits to the computer and ruling out other potential causes like wiring issues or failed sensors. This module is the solution for a confirmed bad PCM.
Will this fix my transmission shifting problems?
In many cases, yes. The PCM is responsible for controlling transmission shift points, line pressure, and torque converter lockup. If your transmission issues are caused by faulty electronic commands from the computer, this programmed module will resolve them. It will not fix internal mechanical failures within the transmission itself.
What is the difference between a PCM and an ECM?
ECM stands for Engine Control Module, while PCM stands for Powertrain Control Module. For this specific generation of GM vehicles, the terms are often used interchangeably as this single unit controls both the engine and the transmission. Whether you call it an ECM or a PCM, this is the correct computer for your vehicle.
Do I need to send my old computer back?
No, there is no core charge or need to return your original module. You can keep it or dispose of it responsibly.